I have both, and while I would say the zebralight is the superior light, let’s not forget that you can buy 2 of the Olight S2 for the price of the zebralight. There about $42 on eBay
Welcome to the forum Yosue!
I have a BLF A6 and several similar size convoy lights (S-series) but I also prefer something smaller for EDC, so I would like to give you another recommendation:
How about DQG Tiny 4th 18650?
I have both the olight S20 and the DQG Tiny1 (older versions of the S2 and DQG 4th)
I like the Olight because it has the magnet in the tailcap, VERY useful for me.
However I like the DQG because it is much smaller and has NW tint. Plus it’s very bright. Got mine on the original pre-order when they first came out back in May 2013, the original is a “twisty” (loosen/tighten the head to operate) It’s very reliable I’ve been using it for 3 years and have not had a single issue with it, I still use it nearly every day. Since the original there has been 3 more upgraded versions, the last 2 went to a side switch.
I’ve been looking at the S2 because its slightly shorter than the S20 (but only by 3mm) and I’ve read the tint is improved (S20 has a very cold bluish/green tint)
But the DQG is much smaller, has the NW tint, and I like the UI: 1 click low, 2 clicks med, 3 clicks high, press and hold for shortcut to Turbo. Plus it’s a great value at the discounted price, so I’ll probably be getting the DQG.
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Smallest of the three
850lm
86?mm x 24mm (not sure the real length, gearbest & fasttech shows 86mm, bangood shows 87mm, KD shows 89.85mm)
Bc412 review does not show actual length measurement
Lowest price ($27 w/code from Bc412 review or M4D-M4X)
Available in black or grey color (the grey is more of a tan/gold color)
Pros: Smallest, Lowest price, NW, good knurling, great simple UI with shortcut to turbo, improved switch more recessed than previous versions
Cons: ?
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Olight S2
Largest of the three
950lm
103mm x 23mm
$49
Pros: Deep carry pocket clip, strong magnet in tail
Cons: Largest, no NW option
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Zebralight sc63
92.5mm x 24.5mm
Brightest of the three (1300lm/CW 1126lm/NW)
Most expensive ($85)
Pros: Brightest, NW available, deeply recessed switch to help prevent accidental pocket turn on
Cons: no knurling on tube, complicated UI may be a con for some, on backorder everywhere
Also consider the astrolux s1 comes with an extra “shorty” 18350 battery tube, so with the smaller battery you can convert it to tiny size when you need to.
The S1 in 18650 configuration requires a high drain battery such as the 30q for maximum brightness, but if you’re not doing the spring bypass mods the 18650GA will give you good balance of output and runtime.
I’m biased as the only Olight (S15R) I’ve ever owned went south never to return again. Can’t recommend them though they are generally considered good lights on BLF.
Don’t have any ZL.
Have and enjoy daily my DQG Tiny so I have to 2nd Beamo’s post.
Splendid UI for an EDC. The same size as the AA S15R. You read that right. The DGQ is an 18650 light the same size as an AA light. ReManGe refers to the DQG Tiny as an 18650 battery holder with a very bright light as a bonus. If a powerful, usable and solid EDC is what you’re looking for the DQG Tiny will fill the bill (at 1/3 the $$ as a ZL).
Ed
I had a DQG Tiny 4th, I really liked it. Finding the switch button could be an issue, I just rotated pocket clip 180 degrees from switch to help me find it.
Yep, same problem with all 4 of my Olight S series, (S15, S15R, S20, S30)
I position the clips so they ride in the “open slot” between my thumb and fingers when my thumb is at rest on the button.
So when I grip the light I rotate till I feel the clip between my thumb and fingertips, that way the clip is not under any part of my hand, which is more comfortable to hold and I know my thumb will be in position right over the switch.
Like this:
If you use the 180 degrees (opposite from switch) method, give this a try instead, another benefit is less chance of accidental “pocket turn on” because when clipped in a front pants pocket the switch won’t be pressing up against your body like it is when in the 180 degrees position.
A quick question - what’s the main purpose for that light? This can be important if you’re planning to use it a lot.
Personally I don’t like Zebra’s - ugly and overpriced.
I love lights where you have high value/money factor, my best picks would be:
- DQG Tiny (don’t have it yet, but it’s on my buy list).
- Manker U11 - UI possibilities similar to Zebra, compact and has built in charger (very nice feature if you’re going somewhere, so no need to take extra batteries/charger).
BLF A6 / Astrolux S1 with 18350 tube (great UI, small, but no side button) - my current EDC.
Personally I like Zebra’s , the best regulation of the world. No comparisson with others.
I love the UI of zebras, one of the better interfaces of the world if you know how to use it.
The worst is obviously the price, of course if are the most advanced lights of the world (in class of less than 100USD), the price can not be the same of others….
(I will not buy the SC63, because I like use protected battery and is not posible with this)
Oh, okay, I see why you didn’t like the interface. IMO, their current interface is very good. I’d like to see them add programability for the primary modes (rather than just the secondary modes), but otherwise I don’t think I’d change a thing.
I read somewhere that the CW version was almost like a NW in other models or brands. They said the NW is too yellow. (I heard that in a video from the guy of skylumen)
If they went total programmable I would be interested again. Current UI worked good for leave it on light. Like on a bike. And headlamps give great adjustment in a 2 fish block. I change modes to much for the current UI to be practical for my uses. Tint is a lottery but if you get a good one its usually great.
I would mainly use it for peacock bass fishing trips ( yes, here in Venezuela we have giants peacock bass) and other reason to buy a good flashlight is beacuse we are having a lot of issues with power supply in the entire country. So making a good choice its important to. Our currency is so beated up that spending 60-80$ in a flashlight its almost a luxury.
For example: buying a washer is more expensive than drilling a hole into our highest coin and using it as a washer
So you do the math. Thats why im planning to get a good quality light, resistant, bright, good quality and once in a while carrying it in my front pocket
Thats why IMHO, olight s2 was the pick until i saw zebralight sc63